Springfield police announce opening of new Metro Unit Substation

SPRINGFIELD -- The Springfield Police Department announced the opening of its new Metro Unit Substation Wednesday, part of its plan to increase police presence and visibility downtown as MGM Springfield prepares to open next month.

The substation, at 75 Dwight St., across from the MassMutual Center, now serves as home base for 31 police officers across three shifts.

"People will constantly see blue and I think that is vitally important," said Mayor Domenic Sarno during a press conference outside the substation. "It's an exciting time."

"It's a milestone in public safety in the metro area," said Police Commissioner John Barbieri. "What you see here is a substation but what happens here is the officers patrol outside. The station is a gathering point, it's a meeting place. But we are holding the press conference outside because that's where the cops will be."

The Police Department is leasing the Dwight Street property from Related Associates for an initial five-year period with an option to renew. The cost of the lease in year one is $40,305, which includes renovations to the building and garage parking.

The 2,600-square-foot facility includes a community room (for both roll call and community meetings), an administrative office, report room with police radio, locker rooms and secure parking for cruisers and other vehicles.

Lt. Brian Beliveau, commander of the unit's 4 p.m. to midnight shift, said the substation can handle pretty much all the functions that the department's headquarters on Pearl Street performs, save for the holding of prisoners.

The substation opened in mid-June, Beliveau said.

"This enhances economic development throughout the downtown area, takes away no policing from other neighborhoods - it actually adds more policing," Sarno said.

Sarno said the new substation will soon be joined by police kiosks at Main and Morris streets in the South End and at Taylor and Main streets.

The old train depot at Riverfront Park, meanwhile, will serve as a mini-substation, Sarno said. Police, working with the Springfield Business Improvement District, will also have a "welcoming presence" at Main Street and Bruce Landon Way.

Police also recently transferred a number of officers and a supervisor to the Gaming Enforcement Unit, which will work out of MGM Springfield, set to open Aug. 24.

The substation, along with flanking the MassMutual Center, sits next to Pynchon Plaza, which is poised to be refurbished and will serve as a gateway to the Quadrangle, home to the Springfield Museums, Sarno said.

Springfield Parks Director Patrick Sullivan said the refurbishment of Pynchon Plaza is slated to go out to bid in about two months. He said the project is part of Sarno's $10 million commitment to improving Pynchon Plaza, Stearns Square and Riverfront Park.